Major Gurdwaras and their congregations around the world observed the UN Int'l Day of Peace on Sept 21, 2014.
The United Nations International Day of Peace-marked every year on Sept 21 - is a global event where individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflicts and promote peace in the world.
"The response has been magnificent," said Mrs. Rajinderjit Kaur Singh, who spearheaded this effort from New York. "Gurdwaras on every continent, in every country imaginable, joined the Sikh sangat as we, too, asked for peace and harmony for all mankind."
Thousands of Gurdwaras (and thousands of individuals) all over the world recited Sukhmani Sahib composition from Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, on Sunday, Sept 21st, from 10 to 11 AM. The Guru's message in the Sukhmani, or "Psalm of Peace" is particularly appropriate to add to the positive energy of this worldwide movement. At the Glencove and Plainview Gurdwaras in Long Island, and the tri-state Gurdwaras, in Greater New York, similarly joined others in North America and continents beyond enthusiastically recited the Sikh Scripture followed by "ardaas" invocation for God's blessing, to bring peace and harmony to all humankind, in every corner of the world. In many Gurdwaras, the Khalsa School children sang the Gurbani hymns appropriate for the occasion.
"This is an important project for us to be involved in to share with world the Sikh teaching of peaceful living. Unity of humanity in the world was Guru Nanak Dev ji's dream as he travelled on foot to teach different communities cooperation, sharing, and peaceful living," said Mrs. Rajinderjit Kaur Singh, President of the Association. "It emphasized to the world what the goals of the Sikh community were."
Various participants are giving positive feedback about the event.
Maninder Kaur from California said it was her dream to do this type of seva, which "finally came true". Harpal Kaur from New York said, "This is a step forward to following Guru Nanak's mission of 'Sarbat Da Bhalaa' in a practical way." Harbinder Singh Sachdev said, "Love can bring peace. Sukhmani Sahib teaches us how to live in harmony and peace with ourselves and with others." Paramjit Kaur of Dallas Fort Worth, TX, thanked Sikh women of the area leading the congregations to participate in this world wide movement.
At many places other faith communities were invited to join Sikhs in this prayer for peace and share a community meal. At Mata Sahib Kaur Gurdwara in Long Island, New York, the sangat was joined by Presbyterian pastor Elisabeth Simpson, members of the Baha'i Faith and the Federation for World Peace, and New York State Assemblyman Charles Levine, who happens to be from the Jewish faith.
The East and West Association of Sikh Women for World Peace has been spearheading this movement since 2004 as a small interfaith prayer but at the 300 yrs celebration of Gurgaddi day in 2008 they decided to celebrate the International day of peace and Gurgaddi day together and that year the sang at enjoyed the celebration and many enthusiastic asked to make it yearly. Now third Sunday of Sept has become a sikh day of prayer for peace.
Through a press note, the Women Association expressed gratitude to all the Gurdwara staff and Prabandhak Committees as well as the Sadh Sangat for making this undertaking as mass movement. The sangat's enthusiasm, infinite love for Gurbani, and devotion to God are the reasons for the success of this project. The Association hoped that this project would continue its outreach to incorporate even more Gurdwaras in even more places throughout the globe. Photos of the event can be seen on the Facebook page of the East and West Association of Sikh Women for World Peace.
The East and West Association of Sikh Women for World Peace aims to promote the gender equality, self-identity, and peace through education and service. It encourages Sikh women to explore Sikh scriptures in depth and foster leadership skills to continue an unbroken tradition of strongbut humble Sikh women serving their communities and the humankind.